servile

USAGE SUMMARY

"servile" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective that means willing to obey or serve someone without hesitation or resistance. Example sentence: The servile slave worked diligently to please his ruthless master.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A controversial piece for the New Statesman described the persistence of class differences between women from generation to generation: the feminists who employed cleaners inherited their own mothers' privileges, while their working-class cleaners carried on the servile labour of their mothers.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Until this happened, the entire outside world thought of Tunisia as a downmarket tourist destination, with a servile attitude towards the west.

The Guardian

Russia today is ruled by the KGB elite, has a Soviet anthem, servile media, corrupt courts and a rubber-stamping parliament.

The Economist

Africa's broadcast media, however, remain largely state-controlled and servile.

The Economist

A servile president handpicked by Mr Putin and elected with a majority of, say, 51% will be unable to compete with Mr Putin's "legitimacy", says Mr Peskov.Some Kremlin insiders think Mr Putin could make himself head of the powerful Security Council, whose functions may then be pumped up.

The Economist

In both Malaysia and Singapore, where mainstream media have been largely servile in their treatment of the powers-that-be, the internet has changed the political landscape.

The Economist

George Bush liked using them but when in July 2006 he was caught addressing the British prime minister as "Yo Blair" many thought it epitomised Britain's servile role in the transatlantic relationship.

The Economist

As a former tour-guide at Mormon historic sites, I have encountered more than one fundamentalist Mormon family in which the strutting husband seems to regard his flock of servile wives like glorified property.

The Economist

Mr Shevchuk lamented Russia's lack of political liberty and its servile media.

The Economist

Meanwhile Silvio Berlusconi, Mr Monti's predecessor, accused him of being "too servile" to Germany.To no one's surprise all the seats in the new Belarusian parliament were won by loyalists of Alyaksandr Lukashenka, the authoritarian president.

The Economist

In the old East Germany, officials had a list of terms to describe Britons: "paralytic sycophants, effete betrayers of humanity, carrion-eating servile imitators, arch-cowards and collaborators".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "servile" to accurately depict behaviors or attitudes characterized by excessive submissiveness and a lack of independent thought or action. It is most effective when portraying power dynamics and the impact of authority on individuals or groups.

Common error

Avoid using "servile" interchangeably with words like "helpful" or "respectful". "Servile" carries a strong negative connotation, implying a loss of dignity and autonomy that isn't present in more positive terms. For example, it would be incorrect to describe a waiter as having a "servile" attitude simply because they are providing good service.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "servile" primarily functions to describe a noun, indicating a quality of excessive willingness to serve or obey others. Ludwig's examples illustrate how "servile" modifies terms like "labour", "attitude", "media", and "president", emphasizing the submissive nature of these entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

32%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "servile" functions as an adjective used to describe an excessive willingness to obey or please others, often implying a loss of dignity or independence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable word in written English. Its use is most prevalent in News & Media and Encyclopedias, and Science contexts, indicating its relevance in discussions of power dynamics and social behavior. When writing, it's crucial to distinguish "servile" from more neutral terms like "helpful" or "respectful", and to be mindful of its negative connotations. Related terms include "submissive", "obsequious", and "slavish", each carrying slightly different nuances. By understanding these distinctions, writers can effectively and accurately employ "servile" to convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

submissive

Implies a yielding attitude, often to authority or control.

obsequious

Suggests excessive flattery and eagerness to please.

slavish

Emphasizes a lack of originality and blind adherence.

subordinate

Indicates a lower rank or position.

deferential

Implies respect and courteous submission.

compliant

Suggests a willingness to obey requests or demands.

docile

Indicates ease of management or control.

obeisant

Expresses deep respect and willingness to obey.

fawning

Highlights exaggerated attempts to gain favor.

truckling

Conveys a sense of groveling behavior to gain favor.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "servile" in a sentence?

Use "servile" to describe someone who is excessively eager to please and obey others, often to the point of losing their own self-respect. For example: "The courtiers displayed a "servile attitude" toward the king, agreeing with his every word."

What are some alternatives to "servile" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "submissive", "obsequious", or "slavish". However, be mindful of the specific connotations each word carries.

What is the difference between "servile" and "subservient"?

"Servile" implies a voluntary, often exaggerated, willingness to obey, while "subservient" simply means subordinate or secondary. "Servile" has a more negative connotation, suggesting a loss of dignity.

When is it inappropriate to use the word "servile"?

Avoid using "servile" when describing genuine acts of kindness, respect, or helpfulness. The term is inappropriate when there is no element of forced or excessive obedience and no loss of personal autonomy. For example, describing someone as "servile" for simply doing their job as a waiter would be inaccurate and demeaning.